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Re: looking for CD player upgrade BUT...

Hi.
These are the CD Players I would recommend (I listen 90% classical, 10% jazz), having owned and/or listened to them for an extended period of time. They are grainless and glare free (with good quality recordings, there is nothing you can do with poor quality recordings):

1. Muse Model 10. However, you can find mint condition Model 9 at Audiogon for less than $3,000.00. Muse machines can be upgraded. They are smooth, clear, a bit laid back, have big soundstage (when the recording has it)and the quality is excellent.

2. McCormack ULD. Similar in sound to Muse but more up front. Can be found mint in Audiogon for less than $2,500.00.

Both machines can play DVDA as well as redbook CD. The McCormack can play SACD as well.

3. Rega Jupiter. Can be found mint in Audiogon for less than $2,200.00. Not as sweet as Muse and McCormack. A bit more up front and aggressive but not etched or glary.

These brands usually have dealers in mayor citites (there should be dealers in San Francisco) where you may listen to them.

My recommendation is to change your CD player. I do not think that adding a DAC will cure all of its deficiencies as compared to better machines. There is no way that you can add a good DAC to a poor CD player or transport and expect good results. You have to start with a good transport system and add a good DAC. The players I mentioned have very good to excellent transport systems and very good to excellent DACs. For example, Muse Model 9 was a class A produdct in Stereophile before being superseded by the Model 10.

Hope this will help.

Happy listening.


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  • Re: looking for CD player upgrade BUT... - Anton 15:46:32 05/16/05 (0)


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